PHOTOS: 55-Foot Christmas Tree Set On Fire In Oakland's Jack London Square
By Rebekah Gonzalez
December 7, 2021
The massive Christmas tree in Oakland's Jack London Square was set ablaze just days before the city's annual tree lighting.
According to SFGATE, at around 1:20 A.M. on Monday, December 6, Oakland Fire officials were alerted to a fire near Embarcadero and Water Street.
Oakland Fire spokesperson Michael Hunt told the publication the fire crew arrived in less than 2 minutes since the nearest station is just 200 yards away.
“The close proximity of that firehouse to Jack London Square probably saved the Christmas tree from going up in flames,” Hunt said.
Only 10% of the 55-foot Christmas tree was damaged and it will likely survive through the tree lighting.
The #OFD Arson Investigation unit is investigating an overnight incident where one or more individuals set fire to the 52ft tall Christmas Tree in Jack London Sq. Great work by E2 to quickly respond & contain the fire. December 11 Tree Lighting is still on, per the organizers. pic.twitter.com/NqHd4FRpNT
— Oakland Fire Department (CA) (@OaklandFireCA) December 6, 2021
“It felt like, structurally, the tree is going to make it and they're going to persevere on with the tree lighting with the existing tree,” Hunt told SFGATE.
An official assessment “of the full scale of the impact” was scheduled for later that Monday.
In addition, investigators are looking for surveillance footage from around the scene of the fire and are currently investigating it as arson.
According to SFGATE, at least one person was spotted at the scene around the time of the fire, according to preliminary footage.
An aerosol can was also found at the scene and Hunt said it was “likely a projectile that was thrown into the tree in hopes of lighting the tree on fire.”